Medication-Assisted Treatment

It’s no secret that abusing drugs or alcohol is dangerous. Most understand that using a harmful substance will have adverse effects on the body. However, some fail to realize that these negative effects include the body developing a dependence on the substance. Over time, the body will be unable to function properly without the substance of choice. Such a reliance can create a major obstacle for those trying to end their addictions. For those who need the extra assistance in this battle, there’s now a Medication-Assisted Treatment program option.

What is a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program?

A Medication-Assisted Treatment program is when medical professionals at your treatment facility prescribe FDA-approved medications to certain clients. These clients tend to need an extra layer of support and care in battling their addiction. Certain addictive substances along with the duration of their use tend to play into the decision of whether or not a client needs this program.

The Common Misconception

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation circling around Medication-Assisted Treatment. Many individuals outside of addiction recovery communities believe that the treatment is simply switching out the drug of use and not helping the individual. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. The medications we prescribe in our Medication-Assisted Treatment program are FDA-approved and don’t lead to dependence. Instead, they work to reduce cravings to give clients a better chance at recovery.

Some medications include:

Disulfiram

Acamprosate

Naltrexone

Methadone

Buprenorphine

It’s also important to note that these medications aren’t intended for long-term use. Medical professionals will monitor the progress of each client, so they can properly adjust dosage. Monitoring progress also helps them identify when clients can begin to end the Medication-Assisted Treatment and continue with their other therapy and treatment programs.

Which Substances Need MAT?

A Medication-Assisted Treatment program isn’t always a necessary step for each client we see. Typically, this program benefits individuals who struggle with long-term addictions and those who abuse alcohol and opioids.

This is because opioids and alcohol tend to have a more harmful effect on the body while also causing the worst withdrawal symptoms. Due to the changes in the brain from use, medication is often a necessity for those wishing to end their cycle of addition to these substances.

Begin your Program at Gateway Foundation Jacksonville

If you struggle with addiction, you need the professionals at Gateway Foundation Jacksonville. Our addiction treatment staff provide essential programs and services necessary for successful, long-term recovery. Along with our Medication-Assisted Treatment program, we also offer the following addiction treatment programs and therapies: